On behalf of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), I am pleased to present the 2019 OCME Annual Report which provides key statistical data stemming from our critical work in death investigation and certification, as well as a snapshot of our key achievements over the year.

We are pleased to present the 2019 Child Fatality Review Committee (CFRC) Annual Report, which highlights statistical data and recommendations resulting from reviews conducted on the deaths of children/youth that were residents of the District of Columbia prior to or at the time of their death.

In 2019, the District of Columbia experienced 281 fatal opioid overdoses and countless nonfatal overdoses. This report emphasizes the affliction of addiction and devastation of an overdose on individuals, families, and communities.

We are pleased to present the 2019 Developmental Disabilities Fatality Review Committee (DDFRC) Annual Report, which highlight statistical data and recommendations resulting from reviews conducted on the deaths of children/youth and persons with developmental disabilities that were residents or receiving services from the Government of the District of Columbia prior to or at the time of their death.

Approximately, 70% of all drug overdoses in the District of Columbia are opioid related. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) investigated a total of 1205 deaths due to the use of opioids from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2019. In the District of Columbia, there were 281 opioid overdoses in 2019, 32% more deaths than 2018.

• Similar to the past two years, fentanyl continued to be the most prevalent opioid identified in 2019.
• Opioid overdoses continue to be most prevalent among African Americans, males and those...

The need to social distance to reduce the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed how we do things in our daily lives. It also means changes to the way in which we grieve the death of a loved one. While services and support may look different for the time being, there are still ways to safely stay connected and receive help and support throughout the grieving process.

The 2012 relocation to the state of the art Consolidated Forensic Laboratory (CFL) has enhanced the Agency’s profile and mission to provide effective and accurate death investigation and certification.